Country music singer Luke Bryan showed signs of cracking to the online outrage mob over the weekend after leftists fumed over his decision to let Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) appear on stage with him at a concert late last week to benefit victims of Hurricane Ian.
Bryan’s concert in Jacksonville, Florida, which was part of his ‘Raised Up Right’ tour, had been postponed several times in recent weeks due to the hurricane.
“I typically don’t respond to stuff when I’m getting run down on a social platform but here’s the deal,” Bryan wrote on Twitter. “I understand Governor DeSantis is a very polarizing figure. But I grew up in a country where if a governor ask you if they can come and raise awareness to help victims of a natural disaster you help.”
“I’ve generally stayed out of politics throughout my career,” Bryan continued. “I knew people would chatter about this but for me the more important piece was If I am going to come back there a few weeks after a large portion of people have been affected by a natural disaster in a state where people have been good to me this felt right. Raise awareness, have a little fun between the GA and FL college fans before the game and do what I love on stage. This is all I am saying about this.”
Christina Pushaw, rapid response director for DeSantis’ campaign, responded: “Reminder to all public figures, corporations, etc… Twitter isn’t real life. The haters might be loud and well-organized online, but in reality, they are a small portion of the population, especially here in Florida.”
“Weak @lukebryan, very weak,” political commentator John Cardillo responded. “@GovRonDeSantis is only polarizing to people who hate freedom, this nation, and want to groom kids. Do better man.”
DeSantis was greeted by loud cheers as he walked on stage and tossed hats into the crowd.
“All you Florida voters, if you want to keep the state of Florida free, we need you to vote on November 8th,” the governor said.
Shortly after the governor made the remarks, the crowd started chanting, “USA! USA! USA!”
“The state of Florida had to deal with the major hurricane last month, and it’s not easy to deal with. It’s hurt a lot of people,” DeSantis added. “Though I can tell you this, show me any other state that can rebuild bridges in three days. I don’t think you can find that.”
DeSantis noted that more than $50 million had been raised to help the victims of the hurricane, and then he directed people to donate money through the Florida Disaster Fund.
Bryan then said he would donate proceeds from the show in Estero, Florida, to the fund to help victims.
“Because of the hurricane, they had to use the venue that I was performing in as a shelter. Well, we’ve been going back and forth, we didn’t know if it was too soon to play or not but the area of Estero said, ‘Get your a** to Estero,’ so, we’re doing a concert,” Bryan said. “So, what we’re going to do is give a large portion of the proceeds in Estero, Florida … to everybody that’s bought tickets, kept the ticket, and spending the money … I’m donating that money to the great state of Florida.”
Thanks for letting me crash the party last night, @lukebryan! pic.twitter.com/GCuTELFOM9
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantisFL) October 29, 2022